Major Accident Hazards

US NRC Final Rule Adds Conditional Sunset for Aircraft Impact Assessment (10 CFR 50.150)

In April 2026 the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission finalised a rule inserting a conditional sunset clause into 10 CFR 50.150, under which its aircraft impact assessment requirements will automatically lapse on 8 April 2027 unless the agency extends them following a new cost–benefit review. For nuclear new‑build projects this signals a potential relaxation of a non‑essential design‑stage safety enhancement, while core licensing, beyond‑design‑basis mitigation and siting requirements for aircraft hazards remain in force through other NRC regulations.

10 Apr 2026, 13:07federalregister.govUnited States

South Korea (NICS) Proposes New Quantity Thresholds for 73 Hazardous Chemicals

South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety has launched a consultation to amend the Regulation on Designated Quantities of Hazardous Chemicals, setting new quantity thresholds for 73 recently designated hazardous substances and clarifying how designated quantities are applied at site level. If adopted, the changes will determine which Korean facilities handling these substances trigger hazardous-chemical control and accident-prevention requirements, so operators should review the draft thresholds against their inventories and consider submitting comments by 15 April 2026.

10 Apr 2026, 10:43nics.me.go.krSouth Korea

Region of Murcia Adopts 2026 Industrial and Mining Safety, Seveso and Metrology Inspection Plan

The Region of Murcia has launched its 2026 inspection plan targeting industrial safety, mining operations, Seveso-regulated sites, and metrology compliance. Operators in the region must ensure all technical documentation, safety reports, and equipment certifications are audit-ready to mitigate enforcement risks during this high-intensity inspection period.

9 Apr 2026, 14:23borm.esSpain

UNECE ADN Administrative Committee Adopts 2027 Amendment Package and Methanol Tugboat Trial Derogation

The ADN Administrative Committee has adopted the 2027 amendment package for inland waterway transport and authorized a five-year methanol-fuel trial for tugboats. Operators must prepare for harmonized transport requirements effective January 2027, while the methanol derogation signals a developing regulatory framework for alternative fuels in shipping.

9 Apr 2026, 09:45docs.un.orgUNECEBelgium

Welsh Government Appoints First Chief Executive of Disused Tips Authority for Wales

The Welsh Government has appointed the first CEO of the Disused Tips Authority, effective April 2026, to operationalise the new regulatory body. This move formalises the transition toward centralized oversight of mining legacy sites, indicating stricter long-term safety management and remediation standards in Wales.

5 Apr 2026, 19:35gov.walesUnited Kingdom

Netherlands Council of State Orders New Decision on Exam Institution in Explosives Safety Registration Scheme

The Netherlands Council of State has ruled that the exclusive designation of a sole exam institution for explosives safety registration is a challengeable administrative decision, requiring a new government review by mid-May 2026. This judgment opens the door for competition in safety examination services and signals increased legal accountability for how regulators appoint private entities to manage mandatory safety certifications.

5 Apr 2026, 05:43uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

US EPA Extends Comment Period for Clean Air Act Risk Management Programs “Common Sense Approach” Proposed Rule

The US EPA has extended the public comment period for proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act Risk Management Program (RMP) until May 11, 2026. This extension offers a critical window for facility operators to assess and provide feedback on updated chemical accident prevention and process safety management obligations.

4 Apr 2026, 11:49federalregister.govUnited States

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Proposes Streamlined Reviews of Reactor Designs Previously Authorized by DOE or Department of War

The US NRC proposed a rule on April 2, 2026, to streamline commercial nuclear reactor licensing by allowing applicants to leverage safety data from previously authorized DOE or Defense Department designs. This shift aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies by reducing redundant technical reviews and regulatory hurdles for developers transitioning to commercial operations.

4 Apr 2026, 11:48federalregister.govUnited States

US EPA Extends Comment Period for Clean Air Act RMP “Common Sense” Proposed Rule

The US EPA extended the comment period to May 11, 2026, for the "Common Sense" RMP proposal, which seeks to roll back several 2024 chemical accident prevention requirements. This shift signals a significant regulatory pivot toward reducing compliance burdens for high-hazard facilities, particularly regarding technology assessments and third-party audits.

4 Apr 2026, 11:05federalregister.govUnited States

Tennessee Air Pollution Control Board Proposes New Prevention of Accidental Releases Rule (Chapter 0400-30-32)

Tennessee is proposing to streamline state-level accidental release prevention rules by removing redundant Risk Management Plan (RMP) filings while aligning with federal EPA standards. Facilities must prepare for a new annual compliance certification requirement, shifting regulatory focus from administrative submission to verified operational adherence.

4 Apr 2026, 11:00publications.tnsosfiles.comUnited States

Swedish Civil Defence Authority Updates "Transportskydd" Guidance On Security For Dangerous Goods Transport

The Swedish Civil Defence Authority (MCF) has issued updated guidance and practical tools for the security of dangerous goods transported by road and rail. Operators across the supply chain should use these revised checklists and risk assessments to ensure compliance with ADR/RID security plan and training requirements.

4 Apr 2026, 10:58mcf.seSweden

Oregon Enacts HB 4100 on Financial Responsibility for Bulk Oil and Liquid Fuel Terminals

Oregon has enacted HB 4100, requiring bulk oil and liquid fuel terminal operators to secure certificates of financial responsibility and provide financial assurance of up to $300 million for spill liabilities. Operators must prepare for mandatory DEQ certification by March 2027, necessitating a review of insurance, surety bonds, or self-insurance mechanisms to meet new state-level environmental risk standards.

4 Apr 2026, 10:30olis.oregonlegislature.govUnited States

Louisiana HB 1156 Proposes Safety Rules for Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Wells and Pipelines

Louisiana introduced HB 1156 in March 2026, proposing a comprehensive safety and environmental framework for Class VI carbon dioxide sequestration wells and transport pipelines. Operators must prepare for stringent siting setbacks, 50-year post-injection monitoring, and enhanced emergency response coordination, significantly increasing the compliance and financial assurance burden for CCS projects in the state.

3 Apr 2026, 18:50legis.la.govUnited States

Louisiana Legislature Proposes Emergency Contact Signage Rules For Hazardous Liquid Pipelines (HB1144)

Louisiana has introduced legislation (HB1144) requiring hazardous liquid pipeline operators to maintain 24/7 emergency contact signage and submit annual compliance certifications. If enacted, operators must implement rigorous monitoring of emergency response lines and formalize annual reporting to avoid penalties and the loss of regulatory waivers.

3 Apr 2026, 18:49legis.la.govUnited States

Slovenia Committee for the Economy Schedules Review of Draft Nuclear Land-Use Regulation (EVA: 2025-2560-0017)

Slovenia’s Committee for the Economy has advanced a draft regulation updating land-use restrictions and construction requirements around nuclear facilities, including the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. Businesses operating or planning construction in these zones must prepare for stricter incident reporting mandates and updated spatial planning constraints aligned with current building legislation.

3 Apr 2026, 18:31gov.siSlovenia

Netherlands IPLO Updates Omgevingswet Guidance On Permit Granting, Supervision and Enforcement With National Government

The Dutch government has updated procedural guidance for coordinating permit applications between local and national authorities under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). Businesses managing complex industrial or infrastructure projects should prepare for standardized digital collaboration workflows and tighter adherence to the eight-week statutory decision window.

2 Apr 2026, 17:25iplo.nlNetherlands

US PHMSA Denies Petition for Reconsideration on Pipeline Class Location Change Requirements

PHMSA has denied a petition to reconsider the January 2026 final rule on pipeline class location changes, maintaining the existing regulatory framework. Operators must proceed with compliance planning based on the original 2026 amendments, as the agency has signaled no intent to reopen or relax these safety standards.

2 Apr 2026, 17:07federalregister.govUnited States

Zuid-Holland Consults On Amending Shell Rotterdam Permit Conditions For Reporting Unusual Events

Zuid-Holland has proposed amending Shell Rotterdam's environmental permit to align incident-reporting obligations with the new Dutch Environment Act (Omgevingswet) through May 2026. Operators should anticipate shifts in how operational 'unusual events' are classified and reported as regional authorities update permits to reflect the new national legal framework.

2 Apr 2026, 09:23zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

China: Shandong Province Convenes Meeting to Advance Chemical Industry Safety Rectification Campaign

Shandong Province has launched an intensified safety rectification campaign for the chemical industry, focusing on risk elimination and stricter project approvals. Operators in the region face heightened inspection scrutiny and must prioritize process safety upgrades to maintain compliance and secure future project permits.

1 Apr 2026, 19:48shandong.gov.cnChina

China MEM Approves Three Industry Safety Standards For Chemical And Hazardous Chemicals Operations

China's Ministry of Emergency Management has finalized three safety standards for chemical and hazardous substance operations, effective September 30, 2026. These updates tighten requirements for equipment maintenance, hazard identification, and accountability for major hazard installations, necessitating a review of site safety protocols and risk management systems.

1 Apr 2026, 18:17mem.gov.cnChina